Topic
6 facts from 1 episode, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1880s
Frank Clarence Mars contracted a mild case of polio as a child, which affected his legs and required orthopedic braces.
“he contracts polio. And he has a mild case, luckily. He survives. But it does affect his legs, and he has to wear orthopedic braces all growing up.”
1902
Frank Mars founded his first candy company in Minneapolis in 1902, at age 19, selling wholesale.
“When he's 19 years old in 1902, he establishes his own candy company there in Minneapolis and goes into business, selling his creations and other people's creations wholesale”
1924
Frank Mars released the Milky Way bar in 1924, and it made about $800,000 in sales that first year.
“Frank Mars does release in 1924 the Milky Way bar and it does become a big hit. That year alone, the first year that it comes out, it does $800,000 in sales.”
1930
Frank Mars named the Snickers bar, introduced in 1930, after a favorite horse at his Tennessee ranch.
“And he decides that he wants to name it after his favorite beloved horse at his Tennessee ranch.”
1932
Forrest Mars asked his father Frank for one third of the company stock in exchange for running it, and Frank refused.
“Let me run things. Give me one third of the stock of the business. You keep two thirds and you relax and I will make you even richer.”
1934
Frank Mars died of kidney failure at age 50 after collapsing in the Chicago factory, and Forrest did not return for the funeral.
“The next year, when Frank is just 50 years old, he collapses in the Chicago factory and dies of kidney failure.”
Episodes